I was customizing with my girlfriend this week, and she was pretty surprised to see that I use Testor's model paint and spray enamel, and even more surprised that I get good results.

Apparently, in her customs community (mostly Spawn and TMNT customs), using Testors is something of a "noob" thing, and people who use it are often ostracized.

Maybe I'm spoiled by the "anything goes that works for you" atmosphere of OUR group, but I know I've seen Testor's on the worktables of most of the Featured Radicons. So is this pure internet elitism on the part of her community? Is it a difference in the plastics we're working with? Or is there actually paint that just plain works better than what I use?

 

I've never had problems with Testors or Model Masters (same company, different line) paints, other than their flat black and clear red paints dry up too darned easy for my tastes. My other colors have lasted forever and ever.

 

well, frenzy rumble uses testors... and $3300 results are hard to argue with

 

Yes. You can get great results with either acrylics or enamels. Testors are a fine brand, and while I prefer acrylics I am not at all opposed to enamels. I often detail with inks, oils, and pastel powders as well. In the end, if you get the results you like, it is good. Don't concern yourself much with folks who are probably just saying what they heard form the status quo.  

I'm sure browsing the Radicons Tutorial/How to section will give further insight on using different paints!

 

gawd in my day acrylics were the noob thing.  . i was building models in 1988 all that was easily available was testors. the main reason acrylics were introduced to mass market was because of the toxicity of testors enamels. i was pissed the first time i used some runny acrylic. it was not until i was an adult did i start to appreciate using them.

i will probably get hated on for saying this but, it simply takes more skill to use oil based paint. now mind you i am not talking about shading and other technique just basic use of the paint. also the durability is stronger (in most cases)with enamels. an example of what i mean is acrylics work better for flexible parts.

what lasts longer on your house oil or acrylic? well oil does. the reason everyone use acrylic on there house is it is simply easier to use. your car is painted with enamel based paint as well.

the main reason acrylics are so prevalent is so kids don't get high or die from eating or sniffing the paint not because acrylics are so superior.

just to clarify i use both acrylic and enamel and they both have a place in my hobby